The leaders of the UK farming unions, meeting in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, have agreed today (31 March) to press the UK’s Farming Ministers to work for a common financial framework post- Brexit.

During the UK Farming Unions’ Brexit Summit, Presidents of NFU Scotland, the NFU, NFU Cymru and the Ulster Farmers’ Union challenged the UK Farming Ministers to establish a well-funded, refreshed agricultural policy that suits the different farming conditions across the UK and allows farms to prosper.

A joint statement from the Presidents said: “Ministers must avoid an abrupt cliff edge for farmers following the exit from the EU. So, it’s vital that governments across the UK co-operate to ensure a funding transition from the current Common Agricultural Policy to policies best suited to circumstances of different parts of the UK. In doing so each administration must avoid disruptive differences across the UK and between sectors.”

In order to achieve this, the UK farming union Presidents proposed a Brexit Summit with their Farming Ministers.

Joining the meeting today was the UK farming unions permanent representative in Brussels, Maeve Whyte. She updated the UK unions on the European Commission guidance on the Article 50 negotiations and the BAB office’s continued work on issues such as glyphosate and veterinary medicinal product legislation. She emphasised the importance of maintaining our excellent links to food and farming partners in Brussels and the importance of maintaining these relationships over the Brexit period and beyond.   

The UK farming union Presidents reaffirmed the importance of their organisations remaining firmly engaged with EU policy development in the run-up to Brexit and agreed the vital on-going role representation and presence in Brussels will have after the UK leaves the EU.

Notes to Editors

• Photographs from the meeting are available by emailing media@nfus.org.uk.

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108